Magnetic Field Shielding for Automated Cell Separation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for rapid and reliable automated magnetic separation of a selected target within a biological sample with high yield and high purity, where the application of a magnetic field can be customized and controlled.
Innovation Solution
A method involving binding the target biological population to magnetic particles, circulating the sample through fluidics pathways, exposing to a magnetic field gradient, and using a magnetic field shield to control the magnetic field for targeted collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If magnetic separation is performed using static suspension or basic automated systems, then separation can be achieved, but the speed, reliability, and control over magnetic field application are insufficient for high yield and high purity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field strength and circulation rate during the separation process. The magnetic field can be increased during capture phases and adjusted during release phases, while the circulation rate is optimized to ensure complete exposure of all target cells to the magnetic field, achieving both high speed and high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic circulation of the biological sample through the magnetic field, with multiple passes to ensure complete separation. The magnetic field is applied in periodic cycles during circulation, allowing for thorough separation while maintaining rapid processing throughput
2Productivity
If magnetic field strength is increased to improve capture efficiency, then yield increases, but control over the magnetic field becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically adjustable magnetic field strength that can be precisely controlled at different stages of the separation process. The field strength is optimized during capture to maximize efficiency, then adjusted during release to enable clean detachment, providing both high capture efficiency and precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes magnetic field parameters (strength, duration, timing) based on the specific separation requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high capture efficiency when needed while maintaining precise control over the magnetic field application throughout the process
3Extent of automation
If manual magnetic separation methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but automation and operational efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: magnetic field generation, sample circulation, separation, and collection all occur in one integrated device. This multi-functionality achieves high automation without proportionally increasing complexity, as the system performs capture, washing, and release using the same core components
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically controls the magnetic field application and sample circulation without requiring manual intervention. The automated circulation pump and magnetic field controller work together to perform the entire separation process autonomously, achieving high automation while keeping the control system manageable
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple circulation passes are performed to improve separation completeness, then purity increases, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous circulation of the biological sample through the magnetic field during the separation phase, ensuring that all target cells are repeatedly exposed to the magnetic field without interruption. This continuous action achieves complete separation in a single integrated process rather than requiring multiple discrete steps, maintaining high purity without excessive time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary optimization of circulation rate and magnetic field strength before the actual separation to ensure maximum efficiency from the first pass. This preliminary setup allows for complete separation to be achieved more rapidly, reducing the total processing time while maintaining high purity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and automated collection of target biological populations with high reproducibility and reduced operational costs, achieving high yield and purity.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the target biological population bound to the magnetic particles to a magnetic field gradient
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic field generated in the separation device applies a force on the magnetic beads suspended within, which can draw the bead out of fluid suspension
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices and methods for automatic magnetic separation of magnetized targets in a biological sample are herein disclosed, where they comprise a magnetic field shield/barrier controllably operable to control the magnetic field in terms of reaching and attracting the magnetized targets within the biological sample.